A SELM is the most complete test of the operational capability of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles.

The tests occur while the ICBMs are in their deployed locations out in the prairies of North Dakota. No actual missiles are ever launched.

The tests are meant to reinforce the confidence in the continued operation of the Minuteman III force. The SELM tests the people and equipment from the initial "on alert" transmission to the simulated first stage ignition.

SELM tests differ from ICBM test launches at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., known as Operational Test Launches, in that SELM tests the ICBMs in their deployed environment without actually launching.

Both OTL and SELM tests are overseen by the 576th Flight Test Squadron out of Vandenberg AFB, which is involved from the initial planning stages up to the completion of the final report.

In addition to verifying the weapons system and its associated infrastructure, SELM also verifies the procedures in the Launch Control Center, ensuring that the missile launch officers are proficient in executing their mission.

"Providing a safe and secure deterrent force is our mission," said Col. Robert J. Vercher, commander of the 91st Missile Wing. "So naturally we want to execute and train hard."

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts and selected ATC call signs logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC. Another couple of days with my mystery Mode-S address (AF14EC) transiting the area.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Sailors and civilian maritime personnel from Europe, Africa and the U.S. finalized the schedule of events and associated objectives for Exercise Cutlass Express 2013 (CE13) during a final planning conference, Sept. 23-27.

Cutlass Express, one of four major U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet exercises in Africa, is designed to improve maritime safety and security in East Africa while building maritime relationships.

"This exercise is a great opportunity to build camaraderie, improve communication systems and to improve maritime safety and security within the East African nations and the accompanying waters," said Capt. Guy Jackson, exercise director for Cutlass Express. "I would like this exercise to achieve individual goals of each East African nation and continue to strengthen the partnerships we share in Africa."

Events during Cutlass Express include a variety of scenarios to improve the abilities of the African nation to deter piracy, counter illicit trafficking and environmental issues such as illegal fishing.

"The common goal of Cutlass Express in my perspective is to foster relationships between different countries in order to stop any economical and environmental problems a lot of African nations face," said Djibouti navy Lt. Gouled Osman Moussa.

"The technology we have been working with will now give our country the opportunity to communicate and share information to other nations in order for us, as a nation, to fight a common threat such as piracy," said Moussa.

Cutlass Express is a U.S. Africa Command-sponsored exercise focusing on addressing common maritime issues through the sharing of information and the coordination among East African nations.

GULF OF MEXICO (Aug. 23, 2013) The future USS Coronado (LCS 4) conducts at-sea acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico. Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the U.S. Navy, which is planned for later this fall. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Austal USA/Released)

Coronado is the fourth littoral combat ship (LCS) to deliver to the Navy, the second of the Independence variant - noted for its trimaran hull - to join the fleet.

Capt. Randy Garner, Commodore LCS Squadron One (LCSRON), was on hand to mark the occasion.

"We are excited to receive USS Coronado into the LCS class and ultimately to San Diego alongside the other LCS class ships in service," said Garner.

The LCSRON supports the operational commanders with warships ready for tasking by manning, training, equipping, and maintaining all LCSs in the fleet.

Delivery marks the official transfer of LCS 4 from the shipbuilder, a General Dynamics-led team that includes Bath Iron Works, Austal USA, and Advanced Information Systems, to the Navy. It is the final milestone prior to commissioning, which is planned for April 2014 in Coronado, Calif.

"This second ship of the Independence variant, which encompasses lessons learned from its predecessor, has proven her readiness for delivery through the most rigorous acceptance trial conducted to date," said LCS Program Manager Capt. Tom Anderson. "I'm excited to place this impressive ship in the hands of the crew and I know they are equally as excited to make her their own."

The Navy is committed to a 52-ship LCS class. Twelve more ships (LCS 5 through LCS 16) are currently under construction or in the pre-production phase. The first 24 ships of the class are evenly comprised of two variants, the steel monohull Freedom variant (odd numbered hulls) and the aluminum trimaran Independence variant (even numbered hulls).

The littoral combat ship class is designed to defeat threats in coastal waters where increasingly capable submarines, mines, and swarming small craft operate. To deliver capabilities against these threats, the Navy introduced LCS with innovative concepts, such as modular mission packages, to quickly respond to an evolving threat.

Program Executive Office (PEO) LCS is responsible for delivering and sustaining the fleet's littoral mission capabilities. Consistent delivery of high-quality warfighting assets, while balancing affordability and capability, is key to supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy.

Friday, September 27, 2013

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (Aug. 14, 2013) An F-35C Lightning II aircraft piloted by Lt. Cmdr. Chris Tabert, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, flies the squadron's first local sortie. The F-35C is the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. VFA 101, based at Eglin Air Force Base, serves as the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, training both aircrew and maintenance personnel to fly and repair the F-35C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr./Released

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy's first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant aircraft squadron, the "Grim Reapers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, will host a rollout ceremony for their new aircraft at the squadron's home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 1.

The rollout ceremony will commemorate the long, storied history of the "Grim Reapers" and the establishment of VFA-101 as the Navy's first F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron.

VFA-101 received the Navy's first F-35C June 22, 2013, from Lockheed Martin, becoming the Navy's first F-35C squadron, and completed its first check flight in the squadron's new aircraft Aug. 14, a milestone that reinforced the Navy-industry partnership and represented a step forward in the development of the Navy's next generation fighter. As the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, VFA-101 trains Navy aircrew and maintenance personnel to fly and repair the F-35C.

The F-35 Lightning II brings a broad range of force packages to the fleet - capitalizing on the integration of advanced mission systems, stealth technology and supersonic capability across three F-35 variants. The F-35C will enhance the flexibility, power projection, and strike capabilities of carrier air wings and joint task forces and will complement the capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which currently serves as the Navy's premier strike fighter.

Since June 1942, "Grim Reapers" has served as the nickname for three different squadrons - Fighter Squadron (VF) 10, VF-101 and now Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101 - flying various aircraft, including the F4F Wildcat, the FG1-D Corsair, the F-4 Phantom, the F-14 Tomcat and currently the F-35C. The "Grim Reapers" flew combat missions in the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Korean War and at various times since World War II, served as trainers for future naval aviators joining the fleet.

Emergency personnel respond to a reported shooting at the Washington Navy Yard, Monday, Sept. 16, 2013 in Washington. Police and federal agents from multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene. Ambulances were parked outside, streets in the area were closed and departures from Reagan National Airport were temporarily halted for security reasons. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Failures have been documented since 2010

Update: DHS has issued a new version of their National Interoperability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG) publication and is available at http://publicsafetytools.info/nifog_info/downloads/NIFOG_1_4_J_for_personal_printing.pdf. Most of the frequencies in this pub are accurate and it is a good resource to have in your shack and programmed in your scanner regardless where you live here in the U.S. And to all you Feds, you need an interop freq then use this guide. It is all there for the taking, duh!

9/23/13 Editor Note: The radio system that this article refers to is the Joint National Capitol Region 380-400 MHz trunk radio system (TRS). Informational, frequencies and talk groups can be found athttp://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=4699.

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) - We've got more details after explosive accusations suggest lives could have been spared at the Navy Yard shooting if the first rescuers inside were able to communicate.

We are specifically referring to the U.S. Naval District of Washington Fire and EMS Department and reports that their emergency radios failed them during the Navy Yard shooting incident.

"I would say there is a great likelihood that more lives could have been saved ," said Gregory Russell with the National Capitol Federal Firefighters. He is the president of the National Capitol Federal Firefighters Union. He is also a fire inspector with the U.S. Naval District of Washington Fire, and EMS Department. That's the same department responsible for fire and EMS services at the Navy Yard.

For example, Naval District of Washington officers could not use their radios to call for help that morning -- they had to call 9-1-1 on their cell phones.

Improving inter-agency communication became a nation-wide goal following 9/11, but Maybo said many smaller police departments and federal bureaus in the District can't secure the type of funding that D.C. Police have.

"Some police agencies have radios that are meant for tow trucks and cab drivers," he said.

You have to be kidding me but I'm not laughing.

First, this does not surprise me. I predicted this in the pages of Monitoring Times after the debacle called Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. At that time, Tyco who sold the city of New Orleans the EDACS ProVoice system that couldn't even communicate with the next parish, tried to demonize me for blasting their non-complaint radio system. When the final hammer came down ProVoice and the entire EDACS trunk radio system was replaced with a P25 compatible system, I was vindicated and Tyco ended up selling their radio business. They should have stuck with toys.

Are the elected politicians in San Antonio, Texas, listening. It is only a matter of time before you have the same issue. You fools are using an
EDACS Networked Standard w/ESK with ProVoice and Analog system voice. Keep your eye on the Gulf cause that is probably when it will happen in the Alamo city.

Another stupid example is from the federal government in DC. Who's idea was it for the Smithsonian and National Zoo to purchase a Analog LTR Passport trunk radio system? Did anyone send them the memo that government radio system purchased with US taxpayer money had to be P25 compatible?

We have spent billions on these trunk radio systems in the National Capitol Region and they still can't communicate with each other? Maybe it is time that the federal government to find leadership, intelligence and some sanity in all this (yea right)! It is called Interoperability! Heck DHS even spent taxpayer money to make up a kids coloring book on Federal radio system interoperability. Another federal waste of money and I'm sure the kids were riveted.Anyway, we don't need a new system unless it is not P25 compatible. We need to use the frequencies we have set aside for interoperability. Don't you bureaucrats in DC read your own regs and instructions? Guess not. So let me help you. Here are some of the NCR area federal interop channels you morons.DHS Common Channels
166.4625 s DHS/Treas/Fed-Common 1
166.5875 s DHS/Treas/Fed-Common 2
165.8375 r/s DHS Common (p/w 170.7875)
168.5875 s DHS Common
412.4375 s DHS Common
417.2875 r/s DHS Common (p/w 408.2875) Federal Common-Use Channels
These common-use frequencies are available for use on a shared basis by any federal agency: 163.1/168.35, 163.7125, 168.6125, 173.625/167.1375, 407.525/416.525, 409.05/418.05, 409.075/418.075, 409.3375/418.3375, 412.825, 412.8375, 412.85, 412.8625, 412.875, 412.8875, 412.9 and 412.9125. The older wide-band channels are: 408.4, 418.05, 418.075 and 418.575. INTEROPERABILITY / MUTUAL AID CHANNELS

Courtesy of the Capitol Hill Monitors:Each civilian NCR jurisdiction maintaining a trunked net-work has a cache of 700/800 MHz spare radios for use during emergencies and special events. The radios are programmed with trunked and conventional channels used by other jurisdictions in the NCR.

There are more than 80 nationally designated mutual aid channels. In addition, the NCR has its own unique mutual aid channels. The mutual aid channels have been assigned (and reassigned) different designations, which has led to confusion.
The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) provides this helpful spreadsheet listing the national mutual aid channels on its Website.

The National Interoperability Field Operations Guide is useful reading on interoperability radio communication.

Repeated channels are often given an "R" suffix, and "D" is for direct, for example, UCALL40-D. Unless otherwise noted, all channels in this section are analog with a CTCSS of 156.7 Hz or carrier squelch.

Hell taxpayers pay for this stuff, I'm like many others and tired of DC bureaucrats putting their regs on the shelf after they have mandated them to the rest of us peasants.

It is time for the American taxpayer to put DoD, DHS, NTIA, the MDW and any other federal agency in the District that keys a radio on the hot seat. So I'm throwing the fraud, waste and abuse red flag. My Congressman is fixing to get another ear full.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Team JSTARS spent the week participating in a worldwide training exercise called Coalition Virtual Flag 13-4 without a single E-8C Joint STARS aircraft leaving the ground.

During the weeklong exercise, aviators from the 461st Air Control Wing and exercise planners from the 116th Air Control Wing, put their skills to the test in a large virtual battlefield along with units from 23 different locations worldwide including Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Working from a robust simulator housed within the 116th Air Control Wing, JSTARS aviators were linked with other exercise participants on a network maintained and operated at the Distributed Missions Operations Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.

"Coalition Virtual Flag provided the opportunity for us to participate in simulated operational areas and scenarios we aren't normally involved in," said Capt. Rolando, an exercise planner with the 116th Operations Support Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard.

"We were able to practice a wider variety of command and control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance skill sets while communicating with more assets than we normally experience with other exercises or during our real-world missions," shared the Capt.

This exercise provided a unique opportunity for JSTARS to not only operate over a land based battle space; which has been their forte since the inception of the platform, but to also integrate more in a maritime environment working directly with a strike group from the U.S. Navy's Third Fleet.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Mike Reed, U.S. Third Fleet liaison officer, spent the week at Robins Air Force Base to learn more about how the Navy can benefit from the capabilities of the Joint STARS platform.

"The platform has a lot of capabilities which are completely different than what the Navy uses," said Reed. "I've seen at least four scenarios where JSTARS can easily flow in the maritime environment. Virtual Flag gave us the opportunity to test new tactics, techniques and procedures, learn how to fully integrate JSTARS over water and help us solidify that relationship."

One scenario involved melding the broad area surveillance capability of the JSTARS platform with current Navy radar capabilities. The E-8C operators provided threat and target data during an exercise providing Maritime Infrastructure Protection for four simulated oil platforms.

Not only did the exercise provide an opportunity for aircrews to practice new scenarios with a wide range of assets; many of the JSTARS operators were fresh out of training or had no previous experience in an exercise of this magnitude.

"For people new to the platform like me, Virtual Flag gave us an opportunity to learn how to do our jobs better and how to integrate better in a coalition environment," said Capt. Titus, 16th Airborne Command and Control Squadron senior director. "It's been a challenge, especially in robust large force scenarios."

A unique aspect of Virtual Flag that enhanced the training opportunity was the execution, planning and debrief process the crewmembers followed.

After each mission, a mass network conference was conducted giving every platform a look at the overall picture followed by local debriefs.

"We would execute our missions, immediately debrief what we did right and wrong, then go straight to mission planning for the next day," said Lt. Toby, 16th Airborne Command and Control Squadron air weapons officer. "The lessons learned and mistakes we made one day, we were able to work on the next day and continually improve as individuals and as a team."

With budget constraints allowing for fewer live opportunities for training, Coalition Virtual Flag provided a realistic and affordable means for JSTARS operators to prepare for real-world scenarios.

"In live exercises there are many barriers from cost, environment, maintenance and safety issues that affect our planned scenarios," commented Toby. With this exercise all those barriers were eliminated and we were able to focus more on training in a safer more cost effective environment."

"This test launch -- the second in less than a week -- is a visible demonstration of the nation's safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent," said Col. Scott Fox, 20th Air Force vice commander. "That deterrent is more than just the physical missile and associated hardware.

"A weapon system is only as capable as those who operate and maintain it, and the Airmen of 20th Air Force, from the 90th and 91st Missile Wings, as well as the test experts from the 576th Flight Test Squadron performed exceptionally throughout the entire test launch process," Fox said.

The ICBM test launch program supports U.S. strategic deterrence policy as outlined in the 2010 Department of Defense Nuclear Posture Review by demonstrating the operational credibility of the Minuteman III.

Agencies across the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy will use the data collected from this mission to ensure a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.

The United States' ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent is a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and friends.

During the patrol Bonhomme Richard and the 31st MEU participated in Exercise Talisman Saber 2013 and Exercise Koolendong 2013 (EK 13) with their counterparts in the Royal Australian military.

"Working alongside our counterparts from the 31st MEU has been great," said USS Bonhomme Richard Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Dusek. "During this patrol we were able to conduct valuable training with the MEU as well as our Australian allies."

This patrol also featured the first time the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, embarked as part of the ACE for their first forward-deployed patrol with Bonhomme Richard.

Bonhomme Richard ARG reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley and is currently conducting joint force operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Bentonville, AR – (September 23, 2013) – The Whistler Group, Inc., a leading industry supplier of Laser/Radar Detectors, is announcing entry into the radio scanner market. Whistler has purchased the intellectual property of scanner industry leader, GRE America, Inc., and plans to launch a complete line of scanners under the Whistler brand.

Whistler is proud to enter the scanning receiver business, picking up popular scanner models often characterized by hobbyists as easiest to program and use. Whistler scanners will include: handheld and desktop/mobile digital scanners with full keyboard, a handheld scanner with USA/Canada database built in, and two models of VHF/UHF non-trunking scanners. The assortment will include the first and only scanner that works on newer modulation protocols including P25-Phase II.

Models feature an Object Oriented User Interface, context sensitive help menus and three soft keys for easy programming, Digital AGC and superfast DSP for clearest possible audio on digital signals, user upgradable CPU and DSP firmware and an alert LED which can be programmed to light when any object goes active.

Whistler is committed to advancing state of the art technology in scanning receivers. “This is an exciting opportunity to produce quality product that keeps up with changing industry technology. We look forward to making positive contributions to this industry”, states Jesse Hopkins, President/CEO of Whistler.

Whistler brand scanners will be available for retail and distribution in the first quarter of 2014.

About Whistler

Whistler has been a leader in automotive laser/radar detection systems for over 40 years. Throughout the years Whistler has innovated and patented important product advances, resulting in first-to-market accomplishments and top performance rankings. Whistler also offers a complete line of Power Inverters and Diagnostic Inspection Cameras. For more information please visit Whistler Group | High Performance Radar Detectors and Electronics.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 23, 2013) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 takes off from the the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo R. Guzman/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, completed a large-force exercise with the U.S. Air Force, Sept. 25.

George Washington and CVW 5 coordinated eight days of joint service, air-to-air combat training with the U.S. Air Force's 18th Wing to include 27th Fighter Squadron (27 FS), currently deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, and the 44th Fighter Squadron (44 FS) stationed at Kadena Air Base.

"Our goal in the exercise is to train our capabilities and tactics against a capable opponent in the U.S. Air Force," said Lt. Jeffrey Drewiske, CVW-5's strike warfare officer. "It's important to train with joint services for an interoperable and mission capable force within the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations."

The training exercise consisted of numerous scenarios, some of which included more than 60 aircraft in the air at one time.

"We practiced fighter integration, where we mix together fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft to familiarize ourselves with each other's methods and tactics," said Air Force Capt. Kevin Heath, an F-22 Raptor instructor pilot mission commander assigned to the 27 FS. "It's a great experience to fly with Navy pilots, and to see different aircraft platforms and how they operate."

Aircraft that participated in the exercise included the Air Force's F-22 Raptor; F-15C Eagle, KC-135 Stratotanker and E-3 Sentry, and the Navy's F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and E-2C Hawkeye.

"Many of the exercises were air-to-air engagements; both in offensive counter for air power projection and defensive counter to protect George Washington and its vital assets," said Drewiske. "It was a memorable learning experience to work with the Air Force because almost no other air wing gets a chance to train with them on a large scale."

Exercises are an important element to a successful training program.

"Everything we gain and learn from this exercise, we can apply to future missions from a small-level exercise to a real-world scenario because we have gone through a similar motion before and know how to do it," said Heath. "It's important to train with other joint services because we are going to fight alongside each other if we go to war. It's vital for us to know how a Navy pilot flies and vice versa."

George Washington and CVW 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The Space Fence is down. That’s the message we get from the SatWatch site, following up on our report last month that the U.S. Air Force was poised to shut down the radar system that tracks thousands of objects orbiting Earth. It had been in operation since 1961.

The Space Fence — also known by its formal name, the Air Force Space Surveillance System— consists of three transmitters and six receivers that stretch across the southern U.S., using radio waves to paint a picture of a slice of space. The items it detected ranged from satellites and debris to meteors.

“The final satellite I captured an RF reflection from was the Meteor Priroda,” says Mike Coletta of SatWatch, “which went over the transmitter site at approx 0000 hrs UTC [on Sept. 1], and there have been no more reflections since that time.”

Shutting down the system will save around $14 million annually, the Air Force Space Command said last month. The agency hopes to install a new version of the fence using technology that it says will be more accurate.

According to military contractor Lockheed Martin, the new system will be built in the Marshall Islands at an estimated price of $1.9 billion over seven years.

News of a pending shutdown came last month after an Air Force memo came to light. That led tocriticism from experts who say the fence should not be shut down before a new system is in place.
Under current projections, a new U.S. space fence system is expected to be operational in 2017. According to military contractor Lockheed Martin, the new system will be built in the Marshall Islands at an estimated price of $1.9 billion over seven years.

Writing for The Space Review site, Brian Weeden of the Secure World Foundation says that shutting down the Space Fence is “a high-stakes gamble by AFSPC to bolster the long-term survivability of the new S-Band Space Fence it wants to acquire.”

The system’s shutdown has also disappointed hobbyists who for years tuned in to the fence’s frequency, around 216.98 MHz, to hear the pings and beeps created when orbiting objects reflect VHF radio signals back to Earth. According to the most recent report we could find from NASA, more than 21,000 objects larger than 10 centimeters are in orbit.

Because the Space Fence operated continuously, it collected reams of data about the objects that swarm around the Earth.

“The U.S. military also uses the data to offer a close approach warning service for owner-operators of the more than 1,000 active satellites in orbit,” Weeden writes. “In 2012, satellite operators conducted 75 maneuvers to avoid potential collisions as a result of those warnings.”

Editor Note: Anyone equipped with UHF milsat capability and with visibility to the Pacific UHF Milsats should keep an eye on 263.625 MHz NFM. Check out the following HF frequencies if you have shortwave capability -- McMurdo Sector (Operated by U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force in New Zealand and Antarctica: 5726.0 6708.0 9032.0 11256.0 13251.0 / 2182.0 4123.0 (Emergency) / 4718.0 kHz(Helicopters)JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The U.S. military will kick off the 2013-2014 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) and the National Science Foundation, with C-17 operations on Oct. 9 and LC-130 operations beginning Oct. 28.

Operation Deep Freeze involves U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard forces, operational and logistic support of the NSF's scientific research activities in Antarctica.

Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand, is the staging point for deployments to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, a key research and operations facility for the USAP.

Operation Deep Freeze is unlike any other U.S. military operation. It is one of the military's most difficult peacetime missions due to the harsh Antarctic environment. The U.S. military is uniquely equipped and trained to operate in such an austere environment and has therefore provided support to the USAP since 1955.

Active duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard work together as part of the Joint Task Force. This team proudly continues the tradition of U.S. military support to the USAP and demonstrates the United States' commitment to a stable Pacific region.

Airlift for Operation Deep Freeze involves active duty and reserve C-17 Globemaster III support from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; LC-130 Hercules support from the New York Air National Guard, sealift support from the U.S. Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command, engineering and aviation services from U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and cargo handling from the U.S. Navy.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 23, 2013) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 takes off from the the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo R. Guzman/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ramon G. Go

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, completed a large-force exercise with the U.S. Air Force, Sept. 25.

George Washington and CVW 5 coordinated eight days of joint service, air-to-air combat training with the U.S. Air Force's 18th Wing to include 27th Fighter Squadron (27 FS), currently deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, and the 44th Fighter Squadron (44 FS) stationed at Kadena Air Base.

"Our goal in the exercise is to train our capabilities and tactics against a capable opponent in the U.S. Air Force," said Lt. Jeffrey Drewiske, CVW 5's strike warfare officer. "It's important to train with joint services for an interoperable and mission capable force within the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations."

The training exercise consisted of numerous scenarios, some of which included more than 60 aircraft in the air at one time.

"We practiced fighter integration, where we mix together fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft to familiarize ourselves with each other's methods and tactics," said Air Force Capt. Kevin Heath, an F-22 Raptor instructor pilot mission commander assigned to the 27 FS. "It's a great experience to fly with Navy pilots, and to see different aircraft platforms and how they operate."

Aircraft that participated in the exercise included the Air Force's F-22 Raptor; F-15C Eagle, KC-135 Stratotanker and E-3 Sentry, and the Navy's F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and E-2C Hawkeye.

"Many of the exercises were air-to-air engagements; both in offensive counter for air power projection and defensive counter to protect George Washington and its vital assets," said Drewiske. "It was a memorable learning experience to work with the Air Force because almost no other air wing gets a chance to train with them on a large scale."
Exercises are an important element to a successful training program.

"Everything we gain and learn from this exercise, we can apply to future missions from a small-level exercise to a real-world scenario because we have gone through a similar motion before and know how to do it," said Heath. "It's important to train with other joint services because we are going to fight alongside each other if we go to war. It's vital for us to know how a Navy pilot flies and vice versa."

George Washington and CVW 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron and Boeing Co. conducted the flight, which is the first step in a two year process to phase out the QF-4 full scale aerial target.

"The QF-4 did a good job for many years, but it's time to turn the page in the aerial target program. This program will bring us into the 4th generation aircraft," said Lt. Col. Ryan Inman, the 82nd ATRS commander. "And will provide us with a mission capable, very sustainable aerial target to take us into the next 10 to 20 years."

A pilot performed all normal preflight checks before climbing out of the cockpit and locking the canopy from the outside. Control was then turned over to Thomas Mudge, a 82nd ATRS pilot controller, sitting in a control room on the opposite side of base. The QF-16 took off at 3 p.m. for an hour long mission profile including take off, conducting a series of simulated maneuvers and reaching supersonic speeds before returning to base and landing.

"The flight itself went very well," Mudge said. "Its performance and abilities are great and we're looking forward to this airplane."

The first QF-16 was delivered to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., in November 2012 for operational and developmental testing to ensure their viability for aerial targets. The QF-16 is a supersonic reusable full-scale aerial target modified from an F16 Fighting Falcon. The emergence of U.S. 5th generation fighters such as the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning means American forces need an advanced target, similar to what they would actually find on the battle field.

"It takes it to the next generation, which now provides the shooters an aircraft that is completely a replication of current real world situations," Inman said. "The new targets will allow the Air Force and allied nations to have a realistic understanding of what they could face."

With successful testing at Tyndall AFB complete, the targets will be now move to Holloman AFB, N.M., to begin testing on an air-to-ground system. They will be part of live-fire testing before being sent back to Tyndall AFB for operation.

The 82nd ATRS is part of the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, which falls under the 53rd Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla. The unit operates the Department of Defense's only full-scale aerial target program, which provides Air Force, Navy, Marine and Army customers targets for developmental and operational tests.

The flood damage spanned more than 2,000 square miles across 15 counties, stranding more than 1,000 residents and damaging or destroying as many as 19,000 homes, according to authorities.
So far, the floods have claimed the lives of eight people and 600 are still unaccounted for. Roadways and bridges have been destroyed since the flooding began on Sept. 11, making the recovery effort that much more difficult. On Sept. 15, President Obama signed a major disaster declaration, ordering federal aid for the flood-ravaged state.

Due to the heavy cloud cover over the flooded areas, Master Sgt. Eddie McManus and Staff Sgt. Dennis McDougal, EV4 Data Acquisition Segment operators, worked with RADARSAT 2 to acquire cloud-penetrating radar images. Once the images were obtained, they handed them over to Master Sgt. Troy Wilkerson, Data Integration Segment operator.

Wilkerson decided to apply a technique that involves overlapping an aerial image with a transparent radar image. He called his colleague and subject matter expert, Derrold Holcomb of Intergraph Government Solutions. Holcomb assisted Wilkerson with the process of interpreting the radar images to identify the flooded areas. Once that was accomplished, Wilkerson highlighted the flooded boundaries with bright red. Next, he made the radar image transparent enough to overlap over an aerial image of the same area. The final product clearly marked all bodies of water in a bright red boundary.

Wilkerson distributed the final product to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (A2), Air National Guard Readiness Center and the state of Colorado Intelligence Staff (J2). The feedback he received was tremendous. The Colo. J2, Lt. Col. Stephanie Patrick, was very appreciative and asked for any follow-up products. Glen Bethel, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has also asked for the images so that he can potentially identify any crop damage.

The Eagle Vision Program consists of five DOD-deployable, commercial satellite ground stations that are located in South Carolina, Alabama, California, Hawaii and Germany. They each provide customers with near real-time commercial, satellite imagery of locations within their 1,300 mile visibility circle.

Eagle Vision stations are used to collect and disseminate imagery to various government agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and USGS during natural disasters. They also support mission planning, time-critical targeting and non-war related operations.

Because Eagle Vision stations have the capability to quickly acquire near real-time unclassified satellite imagery, they are highly sought after and utilized during most natural disasters within their visibility circle.

The EV4 teams most often provide images for events such as fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. They have supported first responder efforts during hurricanes Sandy and Katrina, the earthquakes in Japan and Haiti, as well as tornado and fires in the Midwest.

Monday, September 23, 2013

A B-2 Spirit flies to the North Pole Oct. 27, 2011, on a test mission from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The polar flight helped ensure that the B-2 maintains its global combat power capability in all environments with new computers for future growth and sustained contributions to the greater Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bobbi Zapka)

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- After a 20-year wait, the B-2 Spirit will receive a significant new communications upgrade.

The first increment of the Common Very Low Frequency Receiver, or CVR, program was designed to be a successor to the very low frequency communication system originally slated to be included with the B-2's communication package. The original system was deferred in 1992 because of budget constraints.

Currently, the B-2 uses an ultra-high frequency communications system to fill that role. However, the Military Strategic Tactical and Relay (MILSTAR) satellites that facilitate that form of communication are approaching the end of their operational life, Doolittle said.

The upgraded communication system would allow the B-2 to receive VLF signals bounced off of lower levels of the atmosphere, bypassing the satellite relay. This would ensure the B-2 remains a viable nuclear platform until such time as a replacement for current satellite communications can be deployed.

The CVR Increment 1 program reached its Milestone B on July 23, which authorized the program to enter the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase and award EMD contracts. During this phase, the program will develop the VLF communications system, complete full system integration and test on the B-2, develop an affordable and executable manufacturing process and ensure operational supportability, Doolittle said.

Though CVR Increment 1 is designed purely for use on the B-2 Spirit, a proposed second increment would expand the system into other platforms such as the B-52 Stratofortress and the E-4B, Doolittle said.

"Increment 2 would provide a broader set of longer-term capability upgrades across the entire airborne Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications fleet," he said, adding that Increment 2 requirements and acquisition strategies are currently in development.

With CVR Increment 1 now reaching Milestone B, the program is on-track to begin fielding in 2017. The capabilities it brings will help ensure the B-2 will continue to be a premier weapon system far into the foreseeable future.

The launch team, under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, included members from the 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, N.D., and 90 Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.

"The test launch is the culmination of months of hard work and preparation." said Col. Lance Kawane, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander. "The invaluable data we collect helps us to validate the functionality and performance of system components."

The ICBM test launch program supports U.S. strategic deterrence policy as outlined in the 2010 Department of Defense Nuclear Posture Review, by demonstrating the operational credibility of the Minuteman III.

Agencies across the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy will use the data collected from this mission to ensure a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent. The United States' ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent is a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and friends.

The next test launch of the Minuteman III from Vandenberg is scheduled for Sept. 26.

Dignitaries and employees at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, get their first look at the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Sept. 20, 2013. Hill, Lockheed Martin, Utah elected officials and community members gathered for a ceremony to commemorate the beginning of F-35 depot maintenance at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex. The F-35A is a multi-variant, multi-role, fifth generation fighter, and will undergo organic depot modification work at Hill AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Alex R. Lloyd) (Photo by Alex R. Lloyd)
By George F. Jozens, 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) -- Several hundred people gathered today in hangar 237 to witness the first F-35A Lightning II which arrived for depot level maintenance during a ceremony hosted by the Ogden Air Logistics Complex commander, Maj. Gen. H. Brent Baker Sr.

The ceremony addressed Hill's key role in the depot repair and the F-35's role in national defense by several different speakers which included Sen. Mike Lee; Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin's Executive Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 Lightning II Program; Rear Adm. Randolph Mahr, DoD F-35 Deputy Program Director; Lt. Gen. Bruce Litchfield, Air Force Sustainment Center commander and Sen. Orrin Hatch.

Baker was the final speaker and gave the order to open the doors and unveil the aircraft to the capacity packed hangar's attendees. Other dignitaries at the ceremony included local mayors, Utah Lt. Gov. Greg Bell and members of the Utah State House and Senate.

The first F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant is from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev., and is in a prototype configuration. The Ogden ALC will modify the aircraft with a series of structural and systems modifications to enhance critical capabilities needed during operational test and evaluation testing.

"For decades the shared partnership between Lockheed Martin the Ogden ALC team has taken our legacy platforms, the F-16, C-130 and F-22, to the next level, and the same will hold true for the F-35 Lightning II," said Lorraine Martin, F-35 vice president and general manager. "This aircraft was designed from its inception to evolve through modifications and upgrades so that our warfighters can continually outpace their opposition. I look forward to what the future holds for the F-35 and am excited to see that evolution unfold."

Litchfield also talked about this historic day in the history of the ALC.

"The F-35 found the right home for sustainment," he said. "Team Hill will deliver cost effective modifications for this aircraft."

The F-35 Lightning II combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Three distinct variants of the F-35 will eventually replace the A-10 and F-16 for the U.S. Air Force.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Two U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotankers sit on the flightline Sept. 16, 2013, at Main Air Station Ørland, Norway, in support of the Arctic Challenge exercise. The aircraft provided aerial refueling support for the multi-national exercise, which often pitted two opposing “red” and “blue” teams against each other in various scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard/Released)

by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard, 100th Air Refueling Wing Public AffairsØRLAND, Norway -- The first-ever Exercise Arctic Challenge, which includes more than 60 aircraft from five partner nations, began here Sept. 16.

Norwegian F-16 Fighting Falcons, Swedish JAS-39 Gripens, Finnish F/A-18 Hornets and U.K. Eurofighter Typhoons took to the skies with U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, F-15C Eagles and KC-135 Stratotankers to train in a combined environment. They incorporated both strategic planning and tactical war fighting simulations, practicing in-flight maneuvers and communication strategies with each other.

"[Our] air force has, in periods, had the need to train at bigger scenarios with more aircraft, and this is difficult in Norway, with only our own planes at [our] disposal," said Col. Baid Solheim, Main Air Station Bodø base commander. "Before the cross border training we had to deploy to foreign, far away countries to fly against other types of aircraft, [now] we fly directly from Bodø. In this way it's very efficient in costs."

The Arctic Challenge exercise focused on bringing the Scandinavian nations, the U.S. and the U.K. together in the air, to challenge pilots to react quickly and work together to achieve common goals. During times of maximum participation, more than 60 aircraft are expected to partake in the war-fighting scenarios.

"During this exercise, we will face almost every scenario that could be seen in any war or conflict," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Rich Stringer, 494th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations and lead project officer for the 48th Fighter Wing's participation in the exercise. The different aircraft will take turns as the aggressors and will be tested on how they can respond to a variety of scenarios, according to Stringer.

The purpose of this exercise is to train air forces to operate cohesively. Arctic Challenge, in particular, allows multiple nations to perform aerial operations simultaneously; give critical feedback on how to improve processes; and become a more efficient and effective force -- especially in a multi-national environment.

"These exercises provide the U.S. and NATO forces (and regional partners) an opportunity to integrate their operations at both the tactical and strategic levels with a high level of fidelity that could not otherwise be achieved without live-fly exercises," said Capt. Timothy Gerne, 100th Operations Support Squadron chief of wing weapons and tactics and director of operations for the 100th Air Refueling Wing portion of the exercise. "Similar to a Red Flag exercise in mission sets, large force numbers and multinational integration, the benefits of hosting locally allows us and our allies to focus resources toward operations."

In addition to flying with allies, Airmen from Royal Air Force Mildenhall combined the exercise with a simulated deployment. The movement tested many assets in U.S. Air Forces in Europe including air lift, medical, legal and financial services.

"This exercise improves the readiness of everyone because of the variety of scenarios and the high level of skill that we are flying with and against," said Stringer. "The Finns, Swedes, British, and Norwegians are all very skilled aviators and have very competent forces."

The Arctic Challenge exercise is scheduled to continue until Sept. 26, before culminating in a final scenario which tests the pilots on their ability to operate in a diverse force.

Here is another round of Mode-S/ADS-B intercepts and selected ATC call signs logged from here on the radio ranch in WNC. All dates/times are UTC. Another day with my mystery Mode-S address (AF14EC) transiting the area.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Cowpens was part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces in Japan until earlier this year.

Cowpens, nicknamed "the Mighty Moo," conducted a hull-swap with USS Antietam (CG 54) and returned to San Diego.

"Cowpens will return to the 7th Fleet," said Capt. Greg Gombert, Cowpens commanding officer. "Our crew finished repairs and training in four months and now the 'Mighty Moo' is back and ready for action."

Cowpens is named after the American Revolutionary War battle fought Jan. 17, 1781, at the "Cowpens" in South Carolina. During the battle, American Soldiers defeated a much superior force of British soldiers, giving the American Army the confidence to pursue the British from South Carolina to Yorktown, Va.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.